AFC West draft review: Chargers sleeper

California defensive back Steve Williams, left, breaks up a pass intended for Southern California wide receiver Robert Woods during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
— AP

California defensive back Steve Williams, left, breaks up a pass intended for Southern California wide receiver Robert Woods during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
/ AP

Continuing our six-part draft review of the AFC West, we fill the “sleeper” category beginning with the Chargers. A sleeper is a draftee who’s apt to outperform his low-round slot.

Cornerback, Steve Williams

Twenty other cornerbacks went before Tom Telesco took Williams with the 12th pick of the fifth round.

Have no doubt that some NFL teams refused to draft Williams because he's 5’ 9’’. In fact, some teams won’t select any corner who’s under 5-11. Shortish arms and small hands also were check marks against the 22-year-old.

Nevertheless, I'll not need smelling salts if he makes the team and lines up at slot cornerback on Sundays.

Part of it is opportunity. The Chargers' lead slot corner of 2012, Marcus Gilchrist, will see some practice time at strong safety, where Brandon Taylor returns from reconstructive knee surgery. Another Chargers corner, Shareece Wright, was new to the slot last year. He’s better outside.

Williams, quick, fast and feisty, won Cal’s defensive MVP award last year as a fourth-year junior. He was a field corner, so expect the Chargers to try him outside, too.

Mental demands of slot corner are bewildering to many a rookie. Working inside, Williams will encounter "speed" tight ends who are 6' 4" to 6' 7''. Whether he can offset with quickness and great explosiveness (40½ vertical) will be part of the finding out. His duels at Chargers Park against Eddie Royal also could be telling, given Wes Welker's move to the AFC West.